Medical knowledge and enlightened reform: Antônio Nunes Ribeiro Sanches and public health policies in Portugal (1750-1792)

Author(s)

Julie Hamacher Liepkaln

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas
• Defense date: 2017-12-11

Examining board members

Leila Mezan Algranti; Tiago Costa Pinto dos Reis Miranda; Breno Ferraz Leal Ferreira

• Advisor: Leila Mezan Algranti

Abstract

This work aims to study the relationship between medical science and political power in Portugal during Pombal and Marian periods through the analysis of the works of Antônio Nunes Ribeiro Sanches, a Portuguese physician responsible for the formulation of several sanitary measures. Based on Sanches' bibliographic trajectory and production, we will seek how his proposals, specifically those aimed at medical education and public health, have promoted concrete measures directed to the safeguarding of the population's health. In this sense, the "Intendência Geral da Polícia" is a relevant institution to our research, since it was responsible for the implementation of public health policies. Therefore, we will inquire into the enlightened context, looking at the scientific sociability and at the discussions about the potential uses of scientific knowledge. The personal documents of the Portuguese physician and letters exchanged with his interlocutors bring valuable information about his reformist speech. Also, we intend to analyze the decrees and ordinances of the "Intendência Geral da Polícia", that are essential to think about the several measures aimed at health maintenance. In order to do so, we will look at the illustrated scenario - the context of production of Sanches' works -, focusing on debates about ideals such as freedom, progress and happiness, as well as changes in the scientific field. While the personal documents of the Portuguese physician and the letters exchanged with his interlocutors bring valuable information about an entire reformist discourse in the making, the decrees and ordinances of the Intendance, in turn, are fundamental to consider a series of measures aimed at the health of the population. Articulating Sanches' proposals with the implemented efforts of the "Intendência Geral da Polícia", we aim to understand how the protection of public health associated questions of scientific order - the consolidation of medical knowledge as a science ¿ and political order ¿ the power strengthening of the Portuguese monarchy (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/12022-4 - Medical knowledge and Enlightened Reform: Antônio Nunes Ribeiro Sanches and public health policies in Portugal (1750 - 1792)
• Grantee: Julie Hamacher Liepkaln
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master